Yes, we are still investigating this question. Cold and flu season is coming and vitamin C is often touted as a natural remedy for the common cold. Patients ask me about it every week. A 2013 look at several studies, a meta-analysis, of over 11,000 people did conclude that regular vitamin C supplementation (at least 200 mg per day) slightly reduced the duration of cold symptoms. The problem was that this was only an 8 percent reduction in the duration of cold symptoms and most people didn’t notice that difference.

What about taking high doses once I start getting sick? This question has been asked and answered in several studies and you may not like the answer. High doses of vitamin C started after symptom onset have not been shown to reduce symptom duration or severity. In addition, there is no consistent benefit of vitamin C on prevention of the common cold in the general population

But wait, some folks did benefit. An interesting finding what that there was a 50 percent decrease in the incidence of colds in a subset of patients exposed to vigorous activity, especially in extreme conditions (marathon runners and skiers). The reasons for the benefit in this group of patients are uncertain.

About The GoodRx Medical Team

Dr. Sharon Orrange, MD MPH

Dr. Orrange is a Clinical Associate Professor of Medicine at the University of Southern California, as well as a practicing adult medicine doctor in Los Angeles. She also has a Masters in Public Health from Johns Hopkins University. She does not receive any form of compensation from pharmaceutical manufacturers for the opinions expressed here. Follow her on twitter at @orrangemd.

The GoodRx Pharmacist

Roni Shye, PharmD CGP BCACP graduated from Duquesne University and is a licensed pharmacist in the states of Florida, Ohio, and Pennsylvania. Her realm of pharmacy experience includes but is not limited to retail, compounding, and specialty pharmacy. Currently she is a mentor for Strong Women Strong Girls, certified thru APhA in Medication Therapy Management and diabetes, and an active member of The Ohio pharmacists association, LGBT, and the Women's Business Resource Group.

Elizabeth Davis

Elizabeth Davis is GoodRx's medical editor and consumer savings expert. She hand-assembled the GoodRx drug database and has researched virtually every available discount program and savings opportunity.

Disclaimer: The content posted here is for informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. GoodRx does not recommend or endorse any specific prescription drug, pharmacy or other information. We urge you to talk to your doctor before starting, changing or terminating any medical treatment.

Our Mission

GoodRx believes that everyone should be able to access and afford the prescription drugs they need to maintain their health.

Company

Connect

This information is for informational purposes only and is not meant to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. GoodRx is not offering advice, recommending or endorsing any specific prescription drug, pharmacy or other information on the site. GoodRx provides no warranty for any of the pricing data or other information. Please seek medical advice before starting, changing or terminating any medical treatment. Third party logos, trademarks, brand names and images contained on GoodRx.com are for demonstration purposes only and are owned by their respective rights holders, who are not affiliated with this Site.